Human Resources Development Bureau Ministry of Health Labour and WelfareHuman Resources Development Bureau Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare

Schedule of events of Human Resources Development Bureau (Fiscal year 2006) ──────────────4

International Skills Festival for ALL, JAPAN 2007 ───────────────────────────────5

Priority Measures and Budget of the Human Resources Development Bureau for Fiscal Year 2006 ─────7

1. Organization of the Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare and system of the Human ResourcesDevelopment Administration ───────────────────────────────────────10

2. The Eighth Basic Plan for Human Resources Development (rebuilding the environment to developwoker's expertise for sustainable carrer development ──────────────────────────12

3. Promotion of Comprehensive Human Resources Development Measures for Young People ──────14Reference 1: Current status of youth employment

4. Promotion of Human Resources Development Conducted by Employers ────────────────18(i) Support to human resources development conducted by employers(ii) Dissemination of career development support guidelines Reference 2: Guidelines for Employers on Measures to Develop and Improve Vocational Abilities throughworkers' self-Initiative Responding to their Vocational Life Design (Outline)

5. Promotion of Human Resources Development through workers' self-initiative ─────────────20(i) Improvement of the counseling and information provision system on human resources development through workers' self-initiative(ii) Application of the Education and training grants system(iii) Business career development system (iv) Dissemination of career counseling(v) Career development support for young peopleReference 3: Outline of support for human resources development conducted by employers or throughworkers' self-initiative

6. Implementation of Public Vocational Training ──────────────────────────────23(i) Public human resources development facilities(ii) Promotion of outsourcing of training to private education and training institutions(iii) Public vocational training implementation and planning(iv) Providing various opportunities for human resources development for the disabled(v) Expansion of opportunities for vocational abilities development for mothers, etc., in single-motherhouseholdsReference 4: Overview of public human resources development facilities, etc.

7. Outline of Vocational Abilities Evaluation Systems ───────────────────────────25(i) National trade skill testing and certification system(ii) Accredition system for in-house trade skill tests(iii) Establishment of vocational ability evaluation standards (iv) Business career development system and White-collar work evaluation test (v) The YES Programme Reference 5: List of job classifications of National trade skill testing and certification (137 jobclassifications)

8. Promotion of Trade Skills ─────────────────────────────────────────27(i) Implementing the awarding system(ii) Implementing the Skills Competition(iii) Promotion of a "nation founded on manufacturing"Reference 6: Projects to promote trade skills and trade skills competitions

9. International Cooperation ────────────────────────────────────────29(i) Promoting technical cooperation in the field of human resources development(ii) Effective promotion of the Technical Intern Training ProgramReference 7: Cooperation in the establishment and operation of overseas human resources developmentfacilities

10. Promotion of the Welfare of Young Workers ───────────────────────────────31(i) Support for operation of Working Youth Welfare Centers(ii) For better vocational life(iii) Promoting to support career development through overseas experience(iv) Implementing the "Contributor to the Welfare of Working Youths" award

CONTENTS

3

Note: All photos were taken at the previous year's events

Schedule of events of Human ResourcesDevelopment Bureau (Fiscal Year 2006)

4

Human Resources DevelopmentPromotion Month: November 1(Wednesday) to 30 (Thursday),2006Trade Skill day: November 10(Friday)(Poster for Human ResourcesDevelopment Promotion Month,Fiscal Year 2005)

44rd National Skills Competition (KagawaPrefecture): October 20 (Friday) to 23 (Monday),2006

Awards for Human Resources Developmentfrom the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare: November 2006

Awards for Outstanding Skilled Workers fromthe Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare: November 2006

27th National Skilled Worker's Meeting:November 2006

National Human Resources DevelopmentPromotion Symposium and National Human Resources Development Promoters'Experience Exchange Plaza: November 2006

APEC Forum on Human ResourcesDevelopment: December 2006

24th National Skills Grand Prix(Chiba Prefecture)March 2007

28th National Vocational Skills Competition forPersons with Disabilities (Abilympics) (Kagawa Prefecture)October 27 (Friday) to 29 (Sunday), 2006

5

International Skills Festival for ALL, JAPAN 2007The "World Skills Competition," where youths of age 22 or under from around the world show their vocational

skills and the "International Abilympic," where disabled people compete in vocational skills of world class standard,are going to be held simultaneously as "International Skills Festival for All, Japan 2007" for the first time in Japan.

Through this festival, it is intended that a "universal society" (convivial society) - a society where people respecteach other's personality and character regardless of being disabled or not while promoting respect towardsmanufacturing skills - be materialized.

1. Place and Time

2. ScaleApproximately 4000 competitors and judges from about 60 countries and territories will be participating in the

event.

3. Main HostOrganizing Committee for the International Skills Festival for All, Japan 2007

4. Co-HostWorld Skills International (WSI)International Abilympic Federation (IAF)Rehabilitation international (RI)ShizuokaShizuoka-shiNumazu-shi

Opening Ceremony, Competitors Entrance(38th World Skills competition, Helsinki)

Award, Closing Ceremony(6th Abilympic, New Delhi)

International Skills Festival for All, Japan 2007

39th World Skills Competition(Venue : Numazu)Nov. 7 (Wed) - 21 (Wed), 2007

7th International Abilympic(Venue : Shizuoka)Nov. 13 (Tues) - 18 (Sun), 2007

Joint opening ceremony for the 39th World Skills Competition and 7th Abilympic"Granship" - Shizuoka Convention & Arts Center (Shizuoka)Nov. 14, 2007 (Wed)

Kadoike District (Numazu)Nov. 15 (Thurs) - 18 (Sun), 2007

Kira Messe Numazu (Numazu)Nov. 21, 2007 (Wed)

Twin Messe Shizuoka (Shizuoka)Nov. 15 (Thurs) - 17 (Sat), 2007

Granship (Shizuoka)Nov. 18, 2007 (Sun)

Duration of Competition

Opening Ceremony

Competition

Closing Ceremony

6

5. Competition Skills○ World Skills Competition・ Official competition skillsPolymechanics / Automation, IT PC / Network Support Manufacturing Team Challenge, Mechatronics, Mech. Eng.

CADD, CNC Turning, CNC Milling, IT / Software Applications, Welding, Printing Wall & Floor Tiling, AutobodyRepair, Metal Roofing Plumbing, Industrial Electronics, Web Design, Electrical Installations, Industrial Control,Bricklaying, Stonemasonry, Painting & Decorating, Cabinetmaking, Joinery, Carpentry, Jewelry, Floristry, Ladies /Mens Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Ladies Dressmaking, Confectioner / Pastry Cook, Automobile Technology,Cooking, Restaurant Service, Car Painting, Landscape Gardening, Refrigeration, IT PC / Network Support, GraphicDesign Technology

・ Demonstration skillsCaring, Mobile Robotics, Mould Making, Bakery

・ Host Member skillsMechanical Device Control, Construction Metal Works, Pattern Making, Plastering, Sheet Metal Technology

○ International Abilympic・ Vocational skills competitionProstheses, Basket Making, Construction CADD, Machine CADD, Computer Programming, Web page Design,

Database Design (Advanced), Database Design (Basic), Dental Mechanic, Ladies Dressmaking (Advanced), LadiesDressmaking (Basic), Electronic Hardware Assembling and Testing, Electronic Circuit Connection, English DTP,English Word Processing, Flower Arrangement, Furniture Making (Advanced), Furniture Making (Basic), Jewelry,Machine Assembly, PC Assembly, Photography, Poster Design, Precision Plating, Mens Dressmaking, Wood Craft

・ Leisure skills competitionEmbroidery, Knitting, Painting, Pottery

Competition skill : Autobody repair Competition skill : Painting & Decorating

Competition skill : English Word Processing Competition skill : Ladies Dressmaking (Basic)

PRIORIT MEASURES And BUDGET OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT BUREAU FOR FISCAL 2006 (OUTLINE)Budget for FY2006 : 159.8 billion yen

1. Promotion of vocational independence of young people in mid-career 12.1 billion yen

(1) Promotion of the business / education-based human resources development systems 8.7 billion yenEstablishing introduction environments by enhancing subsidy measures for companies thatintroduce educational training, which combines practical training at companies and classroomlectures, etc. to support practical and effective development of young people by sociallyembedding the system.

(2) Construction of regional systems supporting the vocational independence of "NEETs" 320 million yenEstablishing Regional Youth Support Stations in various regions to perform professionalconsultation according to individual situations; supporting the independence of "NEETs" byeffectively providing services from related institutions for regional young people supporting thenetwork.

(3) Promotion of "Wakamono Jiritsu Juku" (school of independence for youth) program 1.1billion yenPromoting the "Wakamono Jiritsu Juku" program, which provides young people the necessaryand basic skills to be workers and members of the society through lifestyle training, workexperience, etc., in group "camp-like" activities, fosters career outlook, and provides self-confidence and desire to work. 20 sites → 25 sites

(4) Establishment of a framework for evaluation and certification of practical abilities for graduates and youngpeople 560 million yenPromoting extension of a programme to support the basic employment abilities of youngpeople (the YES Programme) to ensure that graduates and young people have goals in theirown development and can move toward these goals with ambition; expanding the vocationscovered by the 3rd Grade in national trade skill testing and certification.

(5) Promotion of e-learning application in the private sector 130 million yenEstablishing a data collection and supply system pertaining to "e-learning" to promoteapplication of frameworks that can develop abilities anywhere and anytime using the Internet,etc., (i. e., e-learning);

2. Promotion of human resources development for middle-aged groups who are the core members ofthe society 10.9 billion yen

(1) Enhancement of support for companies working on human resources development in accordance withindividual needs 6.9 billion yenExpanding subsidy measures such as time and monetary considerations for companies workingon human resources development in accordance with the workers' individual needs.

(2) Improving the human resources development abilities of employers 17 million yenDeveloping and diffusing training curricula to improve the abilities of corporate educationaltraining representatives.

(3) Promotion of career consulting 4 billion yenPromoting and enhancing the training of career consultants in private-sector institutions, thePolytechnic University, etc.; providing career development support such as courses forintroducing career consulting within companies.

I. Developing and Improving Human Resources Required for Each Generation 46 billion yen～Year 2007 Issue Readiness～

7

8

3. Career development support for elderly people who are at the turning point of their career1.2 billion yen

(1) Promotion of human resources development that supports business start-ups in outlying regions530 million yen

Establishing systems for consultation assistance and human resources development in relationto business start-ups and development of new fields in outlying regions.

(2) provision of various vocational training opportunities to support business start-ups 710 million yenPromoting outsourced training to support the business start-ups, etc. of elderly people.

4. Establishment of foundation for ability development to support career development 20.9 billion yen

(1) Establishment of a vocational ability evaluation system that targets a wide variety of vocations 230 million yenPromoting formulation of vocational ability evaluation standards that target a wide variety ofvocations (including white collar jobs) through linkage with industrial organizations in order toreinforce the functions of career development for labourers and labour markets; promotingdiffusion of the established evaluation standards, etc.

(2) Promotion of effective human resources development through active utilization of private-sectoreducational/training institutes 20.5 billion yenPromoting vocational training that utilizes private-sector educational/training institutions(special technical schools, etc.); promoting effective human resources development thataccurately matches human resource needs.

5. Support for skills inheritance involving the aging of the baby-boom generation 850 million yen

(1) Providing skills inheritance support to small-and medium-size enterprises facing the Year 2007 Issue330 million yen

Supporting enterprises working on problems concerning retirement of baby-boom generationstarting from 2007 by establishing consultation services in relation to skills inheritance,providing skills inheritance support to small-and mediums-size enterprises, etc., andconducting skills inheritance program for subsidy systems of companies.

(2) Promotion of a "nation founded on manufacturing" 510 million yenAiming to create a society that is comfortable with manufacturing and further promotingadvanced skills based on this foundation. To be accomplished through efforts to encourage theopening of factories, private/public-sector training facilities, etc., to parents and children;holding of symposia on manufacturing skills; implementation of manufacturing skillscompetitions by young people, etc.

1. Promotion of plans for regular employment of 250,000 freeters 8.7 billion yen

(1) Promotion of the business /education -based human resources development systems (re-description)8.7 billion yen

II. Promoting the Reinforcement of the Capacities of Young People including "Freeters" and "NEETs" 11.7 billion yen

2. Comprehensive approach to raise the desire and capacity of young people to work 2.3 billion yen

(1) Construction of regional systems to support the vocational independence of Neets, etc. (re-description)320 billion yen

(2) Promotion of "Wakamono Jiritsu Juku" (school of independence for youth) project (re-description)1.1 billion yen

3. Realization of smooth transition from students to workers 670 million yen

(1) Promoting the training and diffusion of career consultants for young people 110 million yenTraining of career consultants for young people at the Polytechnic University and otherinstitutions, and implementation of career consulting that utilizes the existing facilities ofmunicipalities.

(2) Establishment of a framework for evaluation and certification of practical abilities of graduates and youngpeople (continuing project) 560 million yen

1. Promotion of vocational ability development for the disabled people 6 billion yen

(1) Promotion of training for the disabled people at public human resources development facilities 4.5 billion yenEstablishing training courses targeting the mentally disabled people in human resourcesdevelopment centresIn regions where National Human Resources Development Centres for the Disabled People donot exist; establishing a national framework for vocational training for the disabled people

(2) Promotion of practical vocational training that utilizes the private sector (business owners, social welfarecorporations, etc) 1.5 billion yenDeveloping various sites to conduct outsourced training (companies, social welfarecorporations, etc); promoting vocational training that matches various disabilities, includingmental disorders(Number of persons receiving outsourced training: 6,000→6,300)

(3) Implementation of "Promotional Project to Develop Vocational Ability of the Disabled People" (tentative title)26 million yen

Experimental implementation of promotional projects for vocational ability development of thedisabled people in the government-designated cities by establishing a collaboration frameworkwith relevant institutions, such as welfare institutions and schools for the disabled.people

2. Employment support for persons receiving welfare benefits and/or childcare allowances1.2 billion yen

Providing free vocational training for persons receiving childcare allowances or welfarebenefits, who have been deemed as requiring vocational training based on the "IndependenceSupport Program."

9

III. Support aiming at the independence of the disabled people 7.2 billion yen

10

Public vocational training

Training for those who are required for special consideration, Care Workers Support Center

Human resources development conducted by employers, etc and through workers self-initiative, career awareness

Support for individual workers and in-house career development, improvement in welfare of younger workers

Promotion of training for foreigners and technical intern training program

National trade skills test system, vocational ability evaluation system, improvement and promotion of trade skill

International cooperation related to human resources development

Human resources developmentand improvement

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare External Bureaus

Statistics andInformation Dept.

Sub-committee on HumanResources Development

Working Groupof Young Workers

Industrial Safetyand Health Dept.

Dept. of Food Safety

Employment Measures for the Elderlyand Persons with Disabilities Dept.

Worker'sCompensation Dept.

Worker's Life Dept.

Dept. of Health and Welfarefor Persons with Disabilities

http://www.mhlw.go.jp

Human ResourcesDevelopment Bureau

Minister's Secretariat

Labour Policy Council

Health Service Bureau

Labour Standards Bureau

EmploymentSecurity Bureau

Health Policy Bureau

Pharmaceutical andFood Safety Bureau

Social Welfare andWar Victims' Relief Bureau

Equal Employment, Childrenand Families Bureau

Health and WelfareBureau for the Elderly

Health Insurance Bureau

Pension Bureau

Director-General for PolicyPlanning and Evaluation

Social Insurance Agency

Central LabourRelations Commission

Comprehensive management of the whole bureau

Social infrastructure on human resources development, collection and provision of information

General Affairs Division

Social Infrastructure Office

Human ResourcesDevelopment Division

Special TrainingMeasures Office

Vocational TrainingPromotion Division

Career Development Office

Preparations Office for InternationalSkills Festival for All in Japan 2007

Measures for Welfareof Younger Workers

Vocational Ability Evaluationand Promotion of Trade Skills

InternationalCooperation

Vocational AbilityEvaluation Division

OverseasCooperation Division

Foreigner's Training Office

Organization of the Ministry of Health,Labour & Welfare and System of the HumanResources Development administration

11

11

Human resources development departmentWorkers' welfare department

Local organizations of the EHDO

http://www.uitec.ehdo.go.jp

http://www.shigotokan.ehdo.go.jp

http://www.javada.or.jp/Key organization to promotion of private-sector vocational training and implementing National trade skill testing and certification

http://www.kaigo-center.or.jp/Project of vocational stabilization for care workers and increase in their welfare

http://www.jeed.or.jp/Promotion of vocational stabilization for the elderly and disabled and improvement in their welfare

http://www.ehdo.go.jp/Assistance for improving employment management, establishment and operation, etc. of public human resources development facilities

http://www.apc.ehdo.go.jp/

http://www.ab-garden.ehdo.go.jp/

Polytechnic University

Lifelong Human ResourcesDevelopment Center (Ability Garden)

（9）

（185）

（11）

（6）

（464）

(Note) As of April 1, 2006

（47）

（1）

（10）

（1）

（62）

（2）

（47）

Care Workers Support Center

Employment andHumanResources DevelopmentOrganization of Japan (EHDO)

Japan Organization for Employment ofthe Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (JEED)

Japan Vocational AbilityDevelopment Association (JAVADA)

Guidance and assistance for employers, etc., promotion of private-sector vocational training and implementation of National trade skill testing and certification

Prefectural Vocational AbilityDevelopment Association

Prefecture

Councils, etc. set up in prefectures

Prefectural Centers of the Employment and Human Resources Development Organization of Japan (EHDO)

Polytechnic Colleges

Polytechnic Junior College

Polytechnic Centers

Advanced Polytechnic Centers

Vocational Museum

National Human Resources Development Centers for the Disabled (operated by JEED)

Branches of the Care Workers Support Center

Polytechnic Junior Colleges

Polytechnic colleges

National Human Resources Development Centers forthe Disabled (operated by prefectures)

Prefectural Human Resources Development Centers for the Disabled

Working Youth Welfare Centers

12

The Eighth Basic Plan for Human Resources DevelopmentRebuilding the Environment to develop workes'capabilities for sustainable career development

22

Due to the decrease in the population, it has become necessary

for Japan to improve productivity by improving each and every

person's abilities.

In the process of meeting that requirement, it has become

important to fundamentally construct a system that corresponds to

structural changes, such as changes in the labor market that underly

the problem related to vocational career (*) development, changes

in the treatment of human resources within companies, and changes

in job consciousness and working conditions, while developing

policies that support vocational career development towards not

only the employed and unemployed but also people in "NEET"

situations and people who have discontinued to work due to

childbirth, child-rearing, nursing of parents, etc. This construction

also aims to secure accession of young people as future core

workers and cultivate the so-called "on-field excellence" in them.

To implement this, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

formulated the Eighth Basic Plan for Human Resources

Development in July, 2006. Based on this Plan, they work on

measures and policies such as provision of diversified vocational

training opportunities, establishment of labor market infrastructure

(social economic infrastructure) including the enhancement of

ability evaluation systems and vocational career support, providing

sustainable career development support throughout workers' lives

and reinforcement of "on-fieled excellence" and skills inheritance

and advancement.

(*) Accumulation of vocational and educational training and practicalexperience in line with the vocational life design

1.Implementation Objectives of Human ResourcesDevelopment Policies○ Human resources development policies will be

implemented to support smooth career formulation.○ Human resources development measures will be

promoted in consideration of all "working people,"including NEETs and people who have left work due tochildbirth, child-rearing, etc., as well as currently employedand unemployed people.○ Training for people who have left work as a part of

employment measures will be conducted mainly by public-sectors considering the awareness of educational trainingneeds in companies and utilization of private educationaltraining institutions.○ Promotion of measures for smooth skills inheritance from

baby-boomer generation workers, while reconstructing thesystem to improve "on-field excellence" (*) and secure youthin job sites.

(*) Techniques, skills, problem-solving abilities, and management skills that areunderpinned by practical experience in various sites including manufacturingjob sites.

○ Promotion of policies by public-private cooperationthrough support for vocational career development ofyouths, balancing work and life, and creation ofemployment in community contributing fields under NPOmanagement.

2.Basic Measures of Human Resources Development

(1) Enhancement of labor market infrastructure○ Implementing public human resources development in

accordance with the needs of companies and job seekers,as well as developing educational training conducted by

employers and high-quality private educational traininginstitutions.

Furthermore, they promote the diffusion and illuminationof the "Practical System for Human Resources Development"as stated in the amended Human Resources DevelopmentPromotion Provision.○ Enhancing the system that provides information regarding

career development such as vocational abilities evaluationsystems and career consulting.

(2) Support for sustainable career development throughoutworkers'lives

○ Providing opportunities to develop vocational abilities fordisabled people and single mothers to move from welfare toindependence, as well as enhancing support measures inaccordance with their career level.○ Implementing necessary measures for the understanding

of vocational ability development needs of non-regularworkers such as part-time workers and temp workers.

(3) Promotion of Human Resources DevelopmentIn response to industrial trends, technological innovations,

and diversified needs of job seekers, vocational training willbe reorganized and provided to meet the needs ofcompanies in accordance to their fields in manufacturing orservice.

(4) Improvement of "on-field excellence" and skills inheritance○ Based on the amended Human Resources Development

Promotion Provision, approaches to promote thedevelopment and securement of human resources thatsupport the "on-field excellence" which are inevitable forthe maintenance and improvement of industrialcompetitiveness, have been adopted, starting with the

Points of the Eighth Basic Plan for Human Resources Development

13

"Practical System for Human Resources Development."○ Reinforcing the support measures for providing information

and know-how as well as financial support, for the smoothinheritance and development of skill; working on thecooperation between public human resources developmentfacilities and companies with the cooperation of relevantadministrative institutions and organizations.○ Creating opportunities for children and students to gain

knowledge about the importance of manufacturing topromote skills and manufacturing toward youth, as well aspublicizing "International Skills Festival for All, Japan 2007."

Other necessary measures include the implementation ofinternational cooperation.

3.PeriodImplementation will be over a five-year period, from

FY2006 to FY2010.

Current status of youth employmentReference1

As is reflected by the severe employment situation of recent years, young people are now facing many problems that include a high unemployment rate, a growing number of people with no occupation, and the emergence of "freeters". If this situation continues, the following may result:(1) Workers will not accumulate necessary skills and know-how when they are young, which will become an obstacle to their career

development in the future(2) The human resources that support Japan's industries and society will not be developed, which may place a damper on the

country's economic growth

In June 2003 four ministers (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare; Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry; Minister of Economic and Fiscal Policy) set up the "Independence and Challenge Plan for Young People" in order to arouse a desire to work among young people and to support the vocational independence of all motivated young people. →　The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare has been implementing the "Japanese-style Dual System" and other measures targeting young people based on the plan since FY2004.

From FY2005, in response to the NEET problem etc., approaches to reinforce "Ningen-ryoku" (power of human capacities) of youth are being promoted as comprehensive and fine-tuned measures to raise the desire and capacity of young people to work.Furthermore, in the future, "Practical System for Human Resources Development," which combines classroom lectures and temporary practical training under working conditions, will be statutorily placed, and will be diffused and embedded as the "Third Option" combining employment and schooling, for companies to become the main actor that cultivates job adaptive capabilities.

Consequently

Promotion of Comprehensive HumanResources Development Measuresfor Young People

33

14

Youth unemployment rates

The unemployment rate among young people aged 24 or less has risen from 5.1% in 1993 to 10.1% in 2003. In general, there has been a doubling of the

unemployment rate for all age groups, there was a decrease in the unemployment rate for 2004.

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0 Total of all age groups

20052003200220012000199919981993

(%)

2.5

4.14.7 4.7 4.4

5.05.4 5.35.1

7.7

9.1 9.19.6 9.9 10.1

8.7

3.4

5.66.2 6.2

6.77.1 7.0

6.2

2.4

1985

2.6

4.8

3.22.4

1980

2.0

3.42.6

1.9

1975

1.9

3.02.2

1.5

4.04.6 4.8

5.35.8 5.5

5.0

2004

4.7

9.5

6.4

5.0

15 to 2425 to 2930 to 34

15

214201

Growing number of "freeters"

The number of so-called "freeters" has risen by 1 million people over the last ten years due to the increase of unemployed graduates and early job separations, but

decreased for the first time in 2004; the number is estimated to be 2.01 million people in 2005.

Changes in the number of freeters10,000 people

0

50

100

150

200

250

50

200320021997199219871982Sources : Special tabulation of "Employment Status Surveys" (Statistics Bureau, Management and Coordination Agency) by the Policy Planning and Research Department,

Ministry of Labour (until 1997)Special tabulation of the "Labour Force Survey 'Detailed Tabulation'" (Statistic Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications) by the Office of the Councillor in charge of Labour Policy; Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (2002 and 2003)

79101

151

209 217

2004 2005

Changes in separation rates according to the job tenures of newly graduated employees

The percentages of graduates leaving their jobs within three years of graduation are as follows: 70% for junior high school graduates, 50% for high school graduates, and 30% for university graduates

Changes in early job separation rates

Source: Statistics tabulated by the Employment Security Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour, and WelfareNote : This separation rate calculated it based on a record of the insured person of employment whom Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare manages and divides it into each educational background by the date and the date of birth when acquired a person insured qualification newly separation rate until the third year dose not accord with a total of separation rate of the third year concerning rounding off in the second year in the first year

60.2

36.7

14.6

8.9

61.4

37.5

14.6

9.3

63.9

38.9

15.5

9.5

64.8

41.0

14.9

8.864.3

40.0

15.1

9.1

64.5

39.8

15.3

9.4

65.5

41.4

14.6

9.4

65.7

41.5

14.7

9.5

67.0

43.0

14.1

9.966.3

42.3

14.3

9.765.2

41.9

14.0

9.3

66.7

43.2

13.5

10.0

67.6

43.7

14.1

9.8

70.3

45.6

14.7

10.0

71.0

47.8

13.9

9.370.3

46.4

14.7

9.2

70.8

47.9

13.5

9.568.5

45.4

14.3

8.8

73.0

49.3

14.4

9.372.3

50.5

13.88.0

72.2

47.5

15.9

8.8 62.3

47.8

14.5 46.2

46.2

(%) Junior high school graduates

01020304050607080

3rd year2nd year1st year

1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

(%) High school graduates

01020304050607080

37.7

15.2

11.9

10.6

40.9

17.1

13.1

10.7

40.5

17.2

13.0

10.339.3

16.9

12.010.4

41.9

17.7

13.2

11.0

46.2

19.8

14.6

11.9

48.7

21.8

15.2

11.847.2

21.5

14.7

11.045.1

21.6

13.8

9.741.8

20.4

12.68.8

39.7

19.3

11.68.8

40.3

18.7

12.19.5

43.2

19.9

12.9

10.4

46.6

21.2

14.8

10.6

48.1

24.0

14.8

9.347.5

24.6

13.8

9.146.8

23.8

13.2

9.7

48.2

24.0

14.6

9.6

50.3

26.3

14.7

9.248.9

25.9

14.0

9.148.6

25.3

13.9

9.4 39.3

25.0

14.3 24.9

24.9

1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

(%) University graduates

010203040506070

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

28.4

11.19.18.3

29.3

11.49.48.6

27.6

10.79.08.0

26.5

10.38.87.4

25.0

9.98.26.8

23.7

9.57.66.6

24.3

9.47.87.1

27.9

10.78.88.4

32.0

12.2

10.69.1

33.6

14.1

11.08.5

32.5

13.8

10.48.3

32.0

12.9

9.89.3

34.3

13.9

11.39.1

36.5

15.7

11.69.2

35.4

15.2

11.38.9

34.7

15.0

10.88.9 26.4

15.3

11.0 15.1

15.1

Changes in the number of NEETs

Among the non-labour force population of 15-34 years old, unemployed young people who are not attending school or engaged in domestic increase with

640,000 people from 400,000 people before ten years

Sources: "Labour Forces Survey" by Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication

30 to 34

25 to 29

20 to 2415 to 19

1993 1996 1999 2002 2003 2004 20050

1020304050

7060

813

40

910

912

40

910

9

15

48

11

13

12

17

64

17

18

11

16

64

18

18

10

18

64

18

19

9

16

64

19

20

(%)

16

◆　Establishing introduction environments by enhancing subsidy measures for companies that introduce educational

training combining practical training at companies and classroom lectures to support practical and effective

development of young people socially embedding the above system.

Promotion of the business / education-based human resources development systems (Japanese-style Dual System) 8.7 billion yen

◆　Establishing "Regional Youth Support Stations" in various regions to perform professional consultation according to

individual situations; supporting the independence of "NEETs" by effectively providing services from related institutions

for regional young people supporting the network.

Construction of regional systems supporting the vocational independence of "NEETs" 320 million yen

◆　Promoting early employment by implementing courses (extending over approximately 10 days) on job consciousness,

communication in the workplace, and basic business manners among other topics using private-sector businesses

Implementation of intensive courses on basic employment capacities 130 million yen

◆　Aiming to create a society that is comfortable with manufacturing and further promoting advanced skills based on this. To be

accomplished through efforts to encourage the opening of factories, private/public-sector training facilities, etc., to parents and

children; holding of symposia on manufacturing skills; implementation of manufacturing skills competitions by young people, etc.

Promotion of a "nation founded on manufacturing" 790 million yen

◆　Giving young people necessary and basic skills as workers and members of society through lifestyle training, work

experience, etc., in group "camp-like" activities; fostering career outlooks; providing self-confidence and desire to work

Creation of "Wakamono Jiritsu Juku"《school of independence for youth》to arouse a desire to work 1.1 billion yen

◆　Training of career consultants for young people at the Polytechnic University and other institutions, and

implementation of career consulting that utilizes the existing facilities of municipalities.

Promoting the training and diffusion of career consultants for young people 110 million yen

◆　Promoting extension of a programme to support the basic employment abilities of young people (the YES Programme)

to ensure that graduates and young people have goals for their own development and can move toward these goals with

ambition; expanding the vocations covered by the 3rd Grade of national trade skill testing and certification.

Establishment of a framework for evaluation and certification of practical abilities for graduates and young people 560 million yen

Promotion of Reinforcing the Capacities of Young People

17

○Development of a pioneering model

curriculum for special training schools ○Implementation of model projects for

introduction into special high schools, etc.

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology

○Implementation of experience-based

courses for graduates without a career path ○Coordination between special training

schools, etc., and accepting companies

Implementation in FY2005

○Short-term training (standard 5-month period): Total of some 26,500 participants

○Long-term training (1 to 2 years): Implemented in 28 prefectures 47 schools 57 courses (begun in

2005)

○Model projects in special high schools, etc., being implemented in 20 regions; development of

educational programs for special training schools being implemented in 10 prefectures (Ministry of

Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology)

Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare

Current highschool students

Unemployed highschool graduates

Unemployedpeople

Qualifiedworker

"Freeters"

The "Japanese-style Dual System"Example: Classroom lecture at an educational/training institution 3 days/week and practical training at a company 2 days/week

Ability evaluation

Classroom lecture(educational/training institution)

Implementedin parallel

Practical training(company)

Promotion of the "Japanese-style Dual System"

18

Promotion of Human ResourcesDevelopment Conducted by Employers

44

a. Subsidy to employers to assist their workers human resources

development

A portion of wages and expense is subsidized through career

development promotion grants to employers who are providing

vocational training where the objectives have been clarified, support

human resources development through self-intiative implementing

vocational ability evaluation, or ensuring opportunities for career

consulting for their workers. This is for the purpose of promoting

effective worker career development at enterprises that meet certain

requirements.

b. Promotion of skilled worker training through effective

utilization of accredited vocational training

Textbooks, training periods, facilities, etc., of vocational training

courses implemented by employers that meet standards set by the

Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare can be accredited by the

prefectural governor. Furthermore, grants are paid to employers of

small- and medium-size enterprises conducting training who have

got this accreditation.

(2005: Approximately 210,000 persons from 1,338 schools)

c. Promotion of effective utilization of "Regional Vocational

Training Centers"

Regional Vocational Training Centers provide facilities for a

variety of education and training programs for workers in small-and

medium-size enterprises and job-seekers. These include programs

by employers and employers' organization as well as by regional

public bodies and other organizations for local residents.

d. Enhancement of information, provision, and counseling on

human resources development

The Human Resources Development Service Centers of

prefectural Human Resources Development Associations provide

advice and guidance on the formulation of human resources

development plans conducted by employers. They also provide

various types of information on education and training institutions as

well as lecturers for training or seminars.

e. Supporting Japanese enterprises through development of their

staff ability for globalization

In collaboration with Overseas Vocational Training Association

(OVTA), seminars and training courses are offered in Japan and

overseas to develop staff ability for globalization. Besides, overseas

information on human resources development is provided through

Internet and publications. Furthermore, advisers are sent to assist

Japanese staff in Japanese enterprises to solve problems on human

resources development for globalization.

It is so important for employers to support appropriate career

development for workers, that career development support

guidelines (guidelines for employers on measures to develop and

improve vocational abilities through own workers' self-initiative in

responding to their vocational life design) are formulated and being

disseminated. In addition to Career development promotion

grants(see P.22).

Support to human resourcesdevelopment conducted byemployers

1

Dissemination of careerdevelopment support guidelines2

19

1. Items related to provision ofinformation, consultation, and otherassistance

● Provision of information needed to set goals with regard to

development and improvement of vocational skills● Implementation of fair and effective data provision to workers to

be hired through application of all forms of communication● Measures for appropriate and effective career consultation

2. Items related to consideration ofplacement and other employmentmanagement issues

● When determining worker placement, employers shall give

consideration to ensure opportunities to gain practical

experience in line with workers' career plans● Following introduction of an internal recruitment system,

employers shall establish systems, if necessary, that can ensure

accurate consideration of placement and pay that emphasize the

worker's initiative, appropriateness for the position, and skills ● Employers shall give consideration to worker placement that

allows workers to fully demonstrate the vocational skills they

have developed or improved through vocational training, etc.

3. Items related to provision of leave● With regard holidays such as paid leave for education and

training, leave for long-term training, etc., employers will

promote utilization of leave by clarifying the content of training

for relevant workers in labor agreements, company rules, or

internal vocational skills development programs, making this

content widely known by workers● Employers will consider giving leave that will contribute to the

promotion of various forms of vocational skill development by

workers themselves. This will include leave to receive training,

leave to undergo trade skills evaluation, and leave to receive

career consultation.● With regard to the scope of training that will be eligible for

leave, the employer shall give consideration that will make it

possible for the worker to select from a variety of opportunities

that match his or her desires and aptitude● With regard to long-term leave, employers shall consider

implementing a framework that will give regular leave in

combination with career counseling and effective granting of

said leave.

4. Ensuring time to undergo educationand training

● In the event that the time period for training a worker wishes to

participate in and his or her work hours overlap, the employer

shall implement appropriate measures to change the time said

worker begins or ends his or her duties, limit overtime work, etc.● The employers shall promote application of said measures by

clearly noting them in labor agreements, company rules, or

internal vocational skills development programs and by making

them widely known to workers.

Guidelines for Employers on Measures to Develop and Improve Vocational Abilitiesthrough Workers' Self-initiative Responding to Their Vocational Life Design (Outline)

Reference2

20

Personal counseling on human resources development is being

provided at "Career Development Support Corners" in prefectural

centers of the Employment and Human Resources Development of

Japan (EHDO) and Hello Works (Public Employment Security

offices), etc. At the same time, support for making a "Human

resources development program" is also available there.

Furthermore, in order to support workers' career development, a

system is being established that will collect, arrange, and supply

information on human resources development (vocational data as

well as data on human resources demand trends, data on training

courses, data on vocational ability evaluation, etc.). These

information are provided in "Career Information Navigation"

(http://hrd.mhlw.go.jp).

In order to support voluntary efforts by workers to develop their

skills and to promote stability in employment or success in finding

new employment as a result of this effort, workers that meet certain

conditions can receive grants that will pay a portion of their

personal expenses for designated vocational education and training

courses by the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare when they

complete.

As of April 1, 2006, 7,789 courses have been designated under

this program. Specifically, designation is provided to courses that

are held so that participants can obtain a national qualification

(specialist in social insurance, tax accountant, basic data processing

technician, etc.) or courses for members of the general public with

advanced skills held at universities, postgraduate schools, etc.

Information on education and training designated by the Minister

of Health, Labour, and Welfare is also provided on the Ministry's

homepage.

The business career development system is a learning instrument

including education and training courses provided for white-collar

workers for the purpose of obtaining knowledge necessary to fulfill

job assignments in systematized fields (such as "personnel affairs,

labor management, and human resources development",

"accounting, and finance.")

(Approximately 1,000 courses in FY2006)

To improve the vocational life of individual workers, the

vocational needs of each individual should be considered

independently, and the most suitable type of job and ability

development should be put into practice.

To support this, the selection of appropriate work or necessary

ability development and careful counseling and assistance (career

counseling) is encouraged by sufficiently grasping workers' or job

seekers' aspirations, aptitude and abilities. At the same time,

information is provided on labour market trends (for example,

abilities that are required). In addition, a five-year training program

for career counselors is being promoted for attaining the goal of

50,000 persons since 2002.

Specitically, following the "Career Counseling Study Meeting" by

concerned groups from the public and private sectors to systematize

the competency requirements for career counselors, training courses

for career counselors are being promoted at polytechnic colleges,

etc. and career counselors are being trained in the private sector by

effectively utilizing career development promotion grants and an

education and training grants system.

Furthermore, career counseling for workers or job seekers is being

implemented at Career Development Support Corners and Hello

Works, etc.

Promotion of Human Resources Developmentthrough Workers' Self-Initiative

55Improvement of the counselingand information provision systemon human resources developmentthrough workers' self-initiative

1

Application of the Education andtraining grants system2

Dissemination of careercounseling4

Business career developmentsystem3

21

1. Fostering the "vocational awareness" of young people

If we look at current conditions surrounding the young people

that will take the reigns of Japan's economy in the future, it becomes

apparent that there are serious problems emerging in terms of

accumulated vocational capacity and employment attitude. Such

problems are evident in increasing numbers of people who do not

find employment even if they have graduated from school, people

that find employment but leave their jobs after a short period of

time, and people that continually elect to take unstable employment

(part-time jobs, etc.) rather than becoming fulltime employees.

Behind these problems is the fact that young people's

understanding and awareness of themselves, vocation, as well as

work itself are weakening. Given this situation, measures that

encourage appropriate career development are required. Such

measures will need to promote understanding of "work" and "self" at

an early stage as well as independent career planning, while at the

same time supporting development of necessary vocational

capacities.

2. Establishment of the Vocational Museum

The Vocational Museum was established in the Kansai Science

City as a core base for comprehensive career development support

aimed at young people.

The Vocational Museum aims to give visitors an opportunity to

consider vocations they would like to pursue in the future. It does

this by allowing them to sense the broad range, interesting aspects,

and importance of available vocations; to expand their own

ambitions and desires; and to examine their own aptitudes. Toward

this end, the museum works hand-in-hand with other facilities to

provide a wide range of services that include a) providing

opportunities to come into contact with vocations through exhibits

and personal-experience facilities, b) providing comprehensive

vocational information, c) providing career consultation and

assistance, and d) holding training and seminars on career

development.

Another major characteristic of the museum is that it gives visitors

an opportunity to actually experience a broad range of vocations

and to obtain comprehensive information on them.

The museum offers spaces where visitors can gain a mental

picture of the professional workplace for a variety of vocations

(approximately 40 types) that were selected from such themes as

advanced technology, manufacturing, traditional handicrafts,

architecture and construction, healthcare and welfare, mass

communications, arts and design, office work, services, and public

service.

On top of this, there are areas for demonstrations by professionals,

talk shows, and simple "experience" sessions for other vocations.

And one more feature of the museum is that it allows visitors to

search for the vocational information they desire using personal

computers. The museum also disseminates information to outside

users through the Internet.

Career development support foryoung people5

Outline of support for human resources developmentconducted by employers or through workers' self-Initiative

Reference3

Career development promotion grants*1Support for implementation of accredited vocational trainingSupport for employers or employers' organizations of small- and medium-size enterprises providing accredited vocational training (For further information, please contact the division responsible for vocational skills development in your prefecture.)

Effective utilization of regional vocational training centers, etc.Facilities for small- and medium-sized employers or employers' organizations for vocational training for regional workers

Providing information, advice and guidance etc.Providing information, advice and guidance, etc, by effectively utilizing "Human Resources Development Services Centers" of Prefectural Human Resources Development Associations

Counseling, provision of information, etc.Counseling, provision of information, etc., by effectively utilizing "Career Development Support Corners" at prefectural centers of the Employment and Human Resources Development Organization of Japan

Training benefitsIncentive money for promoting human resources development support.Vocational skills evaluation promotion benefitsCareer counseling promotion benefitsGrants for advanced skills development for regional human resourcesGrants for skills development for job creation, etc., by small- and medium-size enterprises

Education and training grants system*2

Workers receive a portion of the required expenses borne by them for certain types of education and training programs

Business career development system*3

Systematization of specialized knowledge required by white-collar workers, and provision of information on learning instrument and education and training courses

Implementation of White-collar work evaluation test*4

Implementation of a testing system that objectively evaluates the vocational skills of white-collar workers

*1 Career development promotion grantsPlease refer to the website of the Employment and Human Resources Development Organization of Japan (EHDO) (http://www.ehdo.go.jp/)*2 Education and training benefit system, *3 Business career development system, *4 White-collar work evaluation testPlease contact the Japan Vocational Ability Development Association at 03-5800-3464 or visit its Internet homepage (http://www.javada.or.jp/) for more information.

Human resources development conducted by employers

Appointment of human resources development

promoters

Preparing in-house human resources

development plans

Implementing education and training

Education and training implemented within

enterprises

Education and training by dispatching workers outside

enterprises

Assistance toward self-development

22

23

In accordance with the provision that the central government andprefectures shall endeavor "to provide vocational training forworkers intending to change occupation and other workers in needof assistance regarding development and improvement of vocationalability" (Paragraph 2 of Article 4 or the Human ResourcesDevelopment Promotion Law), public human resourcesdevelopment facilities are established in order to meet thediversified vocational training needs of workers.

These facilities offer following training courses.①Mainly six-month courses are for the unemployed that makes

job-seekers obtain skills necessary for reemployment. (examplesare technical operations [mechanical design and processing]building maintenance and service, and housing services). ②Primarily one-week training courses are also offered for workers

who wish to improve their skills (mechanical design, electricaland electronic theory, CAD/CAM/CAE, etc.).③Long-term courses are for junior high school and high school

graduates that give them the vocational skills and knowledgenecessary for their employment. Depending on the level ofparticipants, these courses run for one, two, or four years(production technology, electrical technology, architectural andconstruction systems, etc.)

The Entrepreneur Support Center opened in Minato ward, Tokyoin FY2001 and the Kansai Entrepreneur Support Center also openedin Osaka in FY 2003 for the purpose of providing counseling onhuman resources development for workers and the unemployed tostart-up businesses and for enterprises to develop new fields.

When rapid and effective vocational training for workers whowish to change their jobs is required, a portion of this training isoutsourced to private-sector institutions such as special technicalschools, employers, or employers' organizations.

In order to implement training on a variety of subjects and levels,universities, postgraduate schools, employers seeking workers, andNPOs have been utilized as outsourced training institutes adding tospecial technical schools, for the sake of an effort to promote evenmore effective public vocational training since FY 2002.

1. Examples of training coursesOffice automation, accounting, nursing care services, dataprocessing systems, etc.

2. Training periodGenerally three months

a. Promoting access to general human resources developmentcenters

Facilities and equipment are being improved within generalhuman resources development facilities so that disabled people cantake vocational training alongside individuals without disabilities.

Furthermore, from FY2004, programs for human resourcesdevelopment of disabled people through public human resourcesdevelopment centers have been implemented to expand theopportunities of vocational training for the disabled people.Vocational training is provided by establishing training courses,which targets people with intellectual disabilities.

b. Vocational training at human resources development centersfor the disabled people

For the profoundly disabled who find it difficult to receivevocational training in public human resources developmentfacilities, vocational training is provided at human resourcesdevelopment centers for the disabled. Vocational training forworking disabled people is being implemented to help them copewith changes in their job situations.

For more details, please contact a human resources developmentcenter for the disabled people or your neighborhood publicemployment security office

c. Implementation of various forms of commissioned training thatmatch the circumstances of the disabled people

Commissioned training has been implemented with nationwidemobility since FY2004 in response to the increase of disabledpeople seeking employment to provide vocational training in theirresiding areas. This measure has included development oforganizations, such as enterprises, social welfare corporations, andprivate-sector education and training institutes that can provide abroad range of commissioned training as well as training forindividuals with disabilities.

1. Training courses・Training courses for acquirement of know-how and skills

needed for employment・Training courses for acquirement of practical skills that can be

applied in actual places of business・E-learning courses provided for disabled people who have

difficulty attending human resourses development facilities2. Training period

Generally three months

"Vocational Training with Preparatory Lessons" was commencedin FY2005. This programme combines "preparatory lessons"(business manners, etc.) as a step toward employment with"outsourced training" for the acquirement of skills and know-howneeded in the actual workplace. It is aimed at single mothers whohave little or now employment experience as well as persons whoare receiving childcare allowances or welfare benefits, wish toparticipate in this programme through a welfare office or otherfacility based on the "Independence Support Programme", and whohave applied for work at a public employment security office.

Implementation of Public VocationalTraining

66Public human resourcesdevelopment facilities1

Promotion of outsourcing oftraining to private education andtraining institutions

2

Public vocational trainingimplementation and planning3

Providing various opportunitiesfor human resources developmentfor the disabled people

4

Expansion of human resourcesdevelopment opportunities formothers, etc., in single-motherhouseholds

5

Training forunemployed job-seekers

Training forworkers

Training forschoolgraduates

Total

FY2003 results FY2004 results FY2005 plan FY2006 plan

410,000 persons(of those, 330,000 byoutsourced training)

160,000 persons

20,000 persons

590,000 persons

190,000 persons(of those, 130,000 byoutsourced training)

180,000 persons

20,000 persons

390,000 persons

230,000 persons(of those, 150,000 byoutsourced training)

210,000 persons

40,000 persons

480,000 persons

190,000 persons(of those, 140,000 byoutsourced training)

180,000 persons

30,000 persons

400,000 persons

24

Overview of public human resourcesdevelopment facilities, etc.

Reference4

Human resources developmentcenters

Polytechnic junior colleges

Polytechnic colleges

Polytechnic centers

Human resources developmentcenters for the disabled

Total

Polytechnic University

Facilities for comprehensive vocationaltraining for unemployed job-seekers,current workers, graduates, etc.

Facilities for advanced vocational trainingfor senior high school graduates, currentworkers, etc.

Facilities to pioneer advanced vocationaltraining for senior high school graduatesand workers

Facilities for short-term vocational trainingfor unemployed job-seekers and workers

Facilities for special vocational training forthe disabled

Facilities for vocational training instructorstraining and to pioneer advancedvocational training

Prefectures

Independent administrative organization

Employment and Human ResourcesDevelopment Organization of JapanPrefectures

Independent administrative organization

Employment and HumanResources DevelopmentOrganization of Japan

Independent administrative organization

Employment and HumanResources DevelopmentOrganization of Japan

National governmentPrefectures

Independent administrative organization

Employment and HumanResources DevelopmentOrganization of Japan

184

1

1

9

10

62

13

6

286

1

Classification Overview Main body Number of facilities

25

Outline of Vocational AbilitiesEvaluation Systems

77

Workers' trade skills are tested and authorized by the government.

This system, which has been implemented since FY1959, is

implemented by prefectural governors or designated testing

institutions, depending on the job classification.

System for trade skills that are common nationwide in which

many workers are engaged; currently 137 job classifications that

include machining, dressmaking, carpentry, etc. These tests are

grades as follows: Special Grade, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade,

etc. (Some vocational categories are not graded but given a Single

Grade.)

Successful workers are granted a certificate by the Minister of

Health, Labour, and Welfare (Special, 1st and Single Grades),

prefectural governors, or designated testing institutions (for 2nd and

3rd Grades, etc.). These workers are authorized to use the title

Certified Skilled Worker.

(Approximately 170,000 successful candidates in FY2005,

approximately 3.30 million successful candidates in total)

Some in-house trade skill tests implemented by employers are

accredited by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare from the

viewpoint of skill promotion.

This system is for trade skills specific within enterprises. Currently

131 job classifications (39 employers, etc. as of April 2006)

including food sales and processing and automobile parts control

have been accredited. Accredited in-house skills tests may be

indicated "Accredited by the Ministry of Health, Labour and

Welfare".

Abilities and know-how necessary for the performance of work

duties are arranged and systematized on four levels-ranging from

local persons in charge to organizational or department heads-and

then formulated and released as vocational ability evaluation

standards for a wide variety of job descriptions, from administrative

work (such as accounting and personnel) to technical and skill-

related work that is common in manufacturing industries. This

process is based on collaboration with industrial organizations and

is intended to allow the objective evaluation of worker abilities.

The business career development system is a systematic study

provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for white-

collar workers to acquire knowledge necessary in fulfilling job

assignments. In concrete terms, by establishing education and

training courses per business expertise and systematized white-collar

work (such as "human resources, labor management and vocational

development", "accounting and finance"), final certified

examinations are implemented to confirm the results of persons who

have completed the course.

In addition, a white-collar work evaluation test to evaluate

competencies in fulfilling work, including ability application and the

ability to put into practice, is being conducted as a higher grade of

the final certified examination.

The YES Programme lays out basic employment skills that

companies require young people in administrative and sales

vocations to have (e.g., communication skills, worker awareness,

basic scholarship, business manners, and acquisition of

qualifications) as well as "targets" for acquiring these skills. Based

on this, the programme then issues "Certificates for Acquisition of

Basic Vocational Skills for Young People" bearing the name of the

Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare to young people who

request the certificate after completing certified courses for the

acquirement of these skills.

The evaluation of skills and knowledge required for occupations based on certain criteria is veryuseful in developing and improving workers' vocational abilities and enhancing their social andfinancial status. Currently, evaluation of vocational ability is comprised of three systems: nationaltrade skills test system, accredition system for in-house trade skill test, and business career system.

National trade skill testing andcertification system1

Accredition system for in-housetrade skill tests2

Business career developmentsystem and White-collar workevaluation test

4

Establishment of vocational abilityevaluation standards3

The YES Programme5

●National trade skill testing and certification

26

List of job classifications of National trade skilltesting and certification (137 Job Classifications)

Reference5

1. Metal materialsmanufacturing

2. Metal processing,assembly and repair ofgeneral machinery andtools

3. Assembly and repair ofelectric machinery andtools

4. Assembly and repair oftransport machineryand tools

5. Spinning & textile,clothing & fibrousproducts manufacturing

6. Building, civilengineering & paving

7. Ceramic productsmanufacturing, quarrying,chemical productsmanufacturing

8. Other fields

(1) Metal materialsmanufacturing

(2) Metal processing

(3) Metal surface treatment

Metal melting, casting, forging, metal heat treatment, powder metallurgy,thermal spraying, die casting

Machining, electric-discharging machining, die making, metal press,ironwork, factory sheet metalwork, industrial engraving, metal springmanufacturing, rope processing, finishing, cutting-tool grinding, lumbersaw setting

Plating, aluminum anodizing, metal polishing & buffing

machine inspection, machinery maintenance, internal combustion engineassembly, pneumatic circuits and apparatus assembly, hydraulic systemadjustment

Time piece repair, optical equipment manufacturing, copy machineassembly, sewing machine maintenance, woodworking machinemaintenance, machine woodworking

Electronic circuit connecting, electronic equipment assembling, electricequipment assembling, semiconductor products manufacturing, printedcontrol panel manufacturing, vending machine adjustment, home electrichealth equipment adjustment

Industrial vehicle maintenance, railroad car manufacturing &maintenance, construction machine maintenance, agricultural machinemaintenance

Dying, knitted goods manufacturing, dressmaking, tailoring, kimono(Japanese garments) making, bedclothes manufacturing, canvas goodsmanufacturing, cloth sewing

Building sheet-metal work, refrigerating & air conditioning equipmentinstallation, Information wiring, carpentry, tile roofing, scaffolding, platformframe construction, plastering, bricklaying, furnace constructing, architecturalblock laying, ALC panel work, concrete block laying, tiling, tatami making,plumbing, bathtub & bath equipment installation, kitchen equipmentinstallation, molding box making, reinforcing bar assembly, fresh concretepumping, waterproofing, interior finishing, slating, heat insulating, curtain wallfinishing, sash setting, automatic door installation, balcony installation, glazing

Horticultural decoration, landscape gardening, well boring, resin adhesivegrouting, well point installation, traffic sign and lane making

Glass products manufacturing, pottery making, fine ceramics productsmanufacturing, masonry material laying

Plastic molding, reinforced plastic molding, enamel work

Wooden pattern making, cabinet making, fittings making, bamboo arts &crafts, carton & corrugated cardboard box making

Bread making, cake & Japanese confectionery making, noodle making,ham, sausage & bacon processing, miso making, fish meat paste foodsprocessing, sake brewing

Financial planning, financial counter service, restaurant service,advertising arts, stage effects adjustment, photography, cooking, buildingcleaning, visual merchandising flower decoration, building maintenance

Plate making, printing, bookbinding, technical illustration, architecturaldrawing, machinery & plant drawing, electrical circuit drawing, chemicalanalysis, metallic material testing, lacquer ware making, precious metalaccessory making, stamp engraving, glass film pasting, paperhanging,painting, paint mixing, artificial limb & prosthetic products making,industrial packaging, industrial washing & cleaning

(4) Assembly and repair ofgeneral machinery and tools

(5) Assembly and repair of othermachinery and tools

(6) Assembly and repair ofelectric machinery and tools

(7) Assembly and repair oftransport machinery and tools

(8) Spinning & textile, clothing &fibrous productsmanufacturing

(9) Building-related fields

(10) Civil engineering & paving

(11) Ceramic productsmanufacturing, quarrying

(12) Chemical productsmanufacturing

(13) Wood, bamboo, paperproducts manufacturing

(14) Food manufacturing

(15) Sales & service

(16) Other job classifications

27

Promotion of Trade Skills88

a. Awards related to Human Resources Development from the Ministerof Health, Labour and Welfare

Awards are given for the purpose of promoting Human ResourcesDevelopment by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare to outstandingemployers, etc. in fields of Accredited vocational training programs,National trade skill testing and certification system, or promotion of tradeskills.

b. Awards for Outstanding Skilled WorkersThe Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare awards skilled workers with

the highest level of skill in various fields for the purpose of promotingHuman Resources Development and improving respect for trade skills.(FY2003: 150 persons)

a. National Skills Competition (Youth Skills Workers Competition)The purpose of this competition is to help young skilled Japanese

workers set objectives by competing for first place in trade skills. It is anexcellent opportunity for young people throughout Japan to becomefamiliar with advanced trade skills, thereby appealing to the importanceand necessity of trade skills and creating and enhancing respect for suchskills.

b. World Skills Competition (International Vocational TrainingCompetition)

The purpose of this competition is to promote vocational training inparticipating nations through international trade skill competition, topromote improvement in technical standards and to establish internationalexchanges and goodwill among young skilled workers. The 39thCompetition will be held in Japan (Shizuoka prefecture) in November 2007and the first ever International Abilympics will be concurrently held.

c. National Skills Grand Prix (Advanced Skills Competition)The purpose of this Grand Prix is to promote the further improvement in

the trade skills of skilled workers, their social status and skills.The National Skills Competition is a competition for young skilled

workers; whereas, the Skills Grand Prix is a competition for 1st Gradecertified skilled workers of all ages selected by a prefecture who especiallyhave outstanding skills.

This program implements various nationwide projects to enlightenyoung people on the importance of manufacturing, instill in them aninterest in places where things are manufacutured, establish environmentsin which they can aquire manufacturing skills on their own, and promoteemployment through acquisition of such skills, while contributing to the

societal formulation familiarized to manufacturing and the nationwiderecognition of the importance of skills.

a. Encouraging the opening of factories, private/public-sector trainingfacilities, etc.,

Because it is important to provide opportunities to enlighten youngpeople on the appeal of possessing manufacturing skills in order toeliminate young people's disassociation with manufacturing and topromote understanding of manufacturing skills, this programme encouragesthe opening of company factories and training schools, public humanresources development facilities, etc., so that they can observemanufacturing sites and experience manufacturing for themselves.

b. Implementation of manufacturing skills competitions by youngpeople, etc.

The programme implements manufacturing skills competitions aimed atpeople aged 20 or less who are currently acquiring skills in humanresources development facilities, certified vocational training facilities,technical high schools, etc. By doing so, the programme seeks to givethese young people goals and improve their skills, and by extension,promote employment among young people, broaden the horizons ofyoung technicians, and foster respect of skills.

c. Dispatch of highly skilled workers to industrial high schools, etc.By selecting highly skilled workers that support Japan's industries and

supplying information, these projects support the application and passingon of skills, provide practical training toward passage of the 1st and 3rdGrades of national trade skill testing through the dispatch of highly skilledworkers to industrial high schools and other institutions, and aim to expandthe basis for human resources in the manufacturing sector.

d. Holding of symposia on manufacturing skills, etc.To encourage the recognition of the importance of manufacturing skills

at all levels, and thus building social momentum of respecting skills,manufacturing symposia and demonstrations from highly skilled workerswill be held in major cities.

e. Implementation of "Plan to Double Gold Medals for InternationalSkills Festival for ALL, JAPAN 2007" (tentative title)

To support Japanese contestants participating in the "International SkillsFestival for ALL, JAPAN 2007," various stepped up measures will beimplemented.

In order to maintain, succeed, and develop superior skills, it is necessary to promote the "creationof a society in which skills are respected". The following projects are being promoted for this reason.

Implementing the awardingsystem1

Promotion of projects that encouragethe development of young peoplepossessing manufacturing skills

3

Implementing the SkillsCompetition2

●National SkillsGrand Prix

Projects to promote trade skills and tradeskills competitions

Reference6

Human Resources DevelopmentPromotion Month (November) and Trade

Skills Day (November 10)

To commemorate the 18th International Vocational Skills

Competition held in Japan in 1970, November 10, the day of the

opening ceremony, was designated Trade Skills Day, and November

as Human Resources Development Promotion Month.

Various events are held every year during this period with the

cooperation of a wide range of individuals in order to produce and

enhance the environment for promoting human resources

development across the country.

National Skilled Workers Meeting

Many skilled workers gather to exchange experiences and

opinions with the aim of improving trade skills and knowledge for

skilled workers in order to enchance the social and economic status

of skilled workers, and to raise the social evaluation of trade skills.

National Vocational Skills Contest forPersons with Disabilities (Abilympics)

This competition is held for the purpose of promoting the

development of vocational abilities of the disabled by providing them

with confidence and pride to participate in society as skilled workers,

increasing widespread understanding and recognition of the disabled

in society, and promoting their employment.

Participation in the InternationalVocational Skills Contest for Persons with

Disabilities (International Abilympics)

Japan participates in worldwide competitions for the disabled for

the purpose of encouraging their vocational independence as well as

better understanding by employers and the general public, and

thereby promoting international friendship.

The next event-the 7th such competition to date-will be the 2007

Universal Skills Competition, which will coincide with the 39th

World Skills Competition in Japan (Shizuoka).

28

●National Skills Competition

●National Vocational Skills Competition forPersons with Disabilities(Abilympics)

29

International Cooperation99Under the growing expectation of cooperation in human resources development, which constitutes

the basis for economic development in developing countries, Japan must provide technicalcooperation aimed at developing and improving the vocational abilities of workers in developingcountries in order to contribute to the international community.

For this purpose, the following measures have been taken.

a. Bilateral technical cooperation

In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan

International Cooperation Agency (JICA), cooperation has been

implemented that involves the establishment and operation of

human resources development facilities, provision of advice on

human resources development policy in developing countries,

dispatch of experts to developing countries, acceptance of trainees,

and holding of seminars.

b. Contributions to human resources development through

international organizations, etc.

As a contribution to human resources development through Asia

Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) activities, opportunities for

basic vocational training are being provided to people in developing

countries with the cooperation of Japan-affiliated companies

operating overseas. Also, seminars are being held to foster human

resources skilled in IT technology for the purpose of bridging the

digital divide among economies.

Moreover, the "APEC Forum on Human Resources Development"

is being held as a venue for opinion and information exchanges by

national and regional representatives on shared human resources

development-related issues.

And, as a contribution through ASEAN (Association of Southeast

Asian Nations), training is provided to help raise the level of human

resources development in the four newest member nations

(Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam).

In addition, cooperation is being extended to the implementation

of seminars and other events supporting the activities of the Asian

and Pacific Skill Development Programme (APSDEP), which was

established to improve vocational training and skills in the Asia-

Pacific region.

Promoting technical cooperationin the field of human resourcesdevelopment

1

Cooperation in the establishment and operation ofoverseas human resources development facilities

Reference7

①

②

③ ④

⑤

⑥

a. Appropriate and effective promotion of the Technical Intern

Training Program

In order to secure effective transfer of trade skill under the

Technical Intern Training Program, instruction and assistance to

secure appropriate and effective training and trade skill practice for

companies accepting trainees is being conducted through the Japan

International Training Cooperation Organization (JITCO).

Furthermore, efforts are underway to promote the smooth

employment of technical interns in accepting companies by

disseminating knowledge of labor protection laws, etc., and through

individual instruction.

b. Effective promotion of projects for accepting foreign trade skill

trainees

The "International Skill Development Training Scheme" and the

"Skills Evaluation System Promotion Program" are being effectively

promoted.

c. Effectively promoting acceptance of foreign students

In order to nurture high-quality vocational training instructors in

developing countries, foreign students are being accepted for

undergraduate and graduate courses at the Polytechnic University.

Effective promotion of theTechnical Intern Training Program2

30

On-going Bilateral projects(As of March 31, 20066 countries, 6 sites, and 11 long-term expertsdispatched)

① Sri Lanka(4 experts)②Honduras(1 expert)③ Ecuador(3 experts)

④ Paraguay(1 expert)⑤Afghanistan(1 expert)⑥ Iran(1 expert)

International Cooperation

31

Promotion of the Welfare of YoungWorkers

1010As the birthrate declines rapidly, the population ages, and international competition intensifies,

efforts are being made to foster they young workers — who will have to shoulder industry and societyin the future — so that they can develop into competent workers and spend better vocational life. Inorder to achieve this goal, a wide variety of areas related to the welfare of young workers are beingadvanced, including enhancement of occupational and social guidance, support for improvement invocational ability, and establishment of welfare facilities. Major projects are as follows.

Working Youth Welfare Centers are comprehensive welfare

facilities established at 464 locations nationwide (as of April 2006)

to implement comprehensive welfare-related projects for the

provision of accommodation for leisure activities through necessary

guidance, while remaining attached to the voluntary activities of

younger workers.

Expert counselors are assigned to public facilities that are easily

accessible to young people (Working Youth Welfare Centers, etc.),

where they provide counseling on career development as well as

guidance matched to a variety of problems and uncertainties of

young workers.

With the advance of internationalization, working holidays has

become a popular way of experiencing life abroad among young

people. However, many young people using the working holiday

scheme leave their jobs to travel and become "freeters" when they

return. In response to this, support such as career consulting for the

illumination of sense of purpose before and after the working

holiday will be implemented by the commission of the Japan

Association for Working Holiday Makers (JAWHA) so that working

holiday users can effectively use their overseas experience.

To improve the welfare of working youths (related to the support

of vocational independence), awards will be granted by the Minister

of Health, Labor and Welfare in recognition of great contributions to

the improvement of welfare for working youths. Through this

measure, it is intended that the activities of working youths welfare

actors be further promoted and thus enhance the protection and

welfare of working youths and their sound development.

Support for operation of WorkingYouth Welfare Centers1

For better vocational life2

Promoting career developmentsupport through overseasexperience

3

Implementing the "Contributor tothe Welfare of Working Youths"award

4

2006

Edited byThe Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Human Resources Development Bureau

Kasumigaseki 1-2-2, Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo 100-8916 JAPAN

Telephone: +81-3-5253-1111 (main reception)

Homepage address http://www.mhlw.go.jp/